“We believe the Bible to be the word of God, as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God” (Articles of Faith 1:8). These words were written by Joseph Smith, the first prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, sometimes mistakenly referred to as the Mormon Church. Joseph Smith wrote the Articles of Faith to clearly delineate what Mormons believed so as to dispel any misconceptions that people of other faiths might have.

“We believe the Bible to be the word of God.” As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ, I, and other Mormons, believe in, follow, and love the Bible just as followers of other Christian faiths. “We also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.” The Book of Mormon is a book of ancient scripture written by prophets on the American continent and translated by Joseph Smith.  Since it contains revelation to prophets who were commanded to write scripture, the Book of Mormon is similar to and complimentary to the Bible.  The Book of Mormon is not intended to replace the Bible; rather, it supports the Bible. Reading the Book of Mormon has strengthened my testimony of the Bible; there are many passages in the Book of Mormon that speak of the Bible, its prophets, its prophecies, and its truthfulness. The Book of Mormon turns the reader to the Bible, and vice versa.

Another Testament of Christ

The title page of the Book of Mormon, written by Moroni, one of the Book of Mormon writers, explains the book’s purpose: “To the convincing the Jew and Gentile that Jesus is the Christ, the Eternal God, manifesting himself unto all nations.” As I read and study the Book of Mormon, my testimony of the Savior grows. Book of Mormon writers all testified of Christ; their words to the people then about the Savior and His Atonement are applicable to me, and to all of us, still today. The words “Christ,” “Jesus,” “Lord,” and other titles for the Savior appear on nearly every page of the book.

The Book of Mormon is evidence to me that God still cares about His people today. We still have the Bible, which is God’s word; however, with many translations through the centuries, some doctrines are confusing, as we can see by looking at the many different Christian churches on earth today. Heavenly Father has given us this sacred scripture, the Book of Mormon, to clarify the doctrine so we can plainly understand His words and commandments. He does not want us to be lost and confused, and wondering what our purpose is on earth. Heavenly Father loves us, and wants us to return to Him, and has given us the Book of Mormon to help us learn and understand what’s really important in life.

My Faith in God Because of the Book of Mormon

Reading the Book of Mormon has done more to increase my faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ than almost anything else I can do or have done. Combined with prayer, reading the Book of Mormon brings me closer to Christ and strengthens my testimony of Him. The Book of Mormon teaches me what to do to feel the Savior’s love and forgiveness. It testifies that Jesus Christ lives, and that He loves all of Heavenly Father’s children.

The Book of Mormon also clearly teaches the doctrines and principles that Christ taught to his disciples while He was on the earth. These doctrines and principles of faith, repentance, forgiveness, baptism, and the Holy Ghost are taught throughout the Book of Mormon by many prophets. As I read about these important doctrines and principles, I can feel Heavenly Father’s love for His children, and my faith in Him grows.

“Nearer to God”

Joseph Smith, the man who translated the Book of Mormon by the gift and power of God, stated in the book’s introduction: “I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book.” Reading the Book of Mormon is great. I feel the Spirit, and I learn more about the gospel of Jesus Christ. But reading the Book of Mormon doesn’t do me, or anyone, any good unless we apply what it says. When we “abide by its precepts,” doing what the writers instruct and applying the lessons taught, we truly come closer to God. One of the best ways for us to come to know our Savior is by reading and praying about the Book of Mormon.

The Book of Mormon contains restored doctrine concerning life, adding to what the Bible says. As the Book of Mormon is Another Testament of Jesus Christ, one of the most important things it says about life is that Jesus Christ “is the light and life of the world; yea, a light that is endless, that can never be darkened; yea, and also a life which if endless, that there can be no more death” (Mosiah 16:9). Without Jesus Christ, there would be no hope for “life which is endless,” or eternal life. There would also be no life after death, another important doctrine about life that the Book of Mormon teaches.

Amulek, one of the Book of Mormon prophets, taught about life after death, explaining that all men will be raised from physical death, that the grave will surrender the dead and our bodies and spirits will be reunited. He says that “this mortal body is raised to an immortal body, that is from death, even from the first death unto life, that they can die no more” (Alma 11:43-45).

Amulek also discusses another important doctrine about life. He taught that “this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God,” and that all people need to repent and become worthy now. He continued: “Do not procrastinate the day of your repentance until the end; for after this day of life . . . if we do not improve our time while in this life, then cometh the night of darkness wherein there can be no labor performed” (Alma 34:32-33). Living on earth is a chance for us to come closer to Christ, to learn and grow, and repent of our sins and transgressions.

The Book of Mormon teaches us that our lives on earth are a precious time for us to learn and grow, and prepare to return to our Heavenly Father. We learn that our lives on earth are not random, but purposeful, and that we will live again after death.

Jesus’ Words on Deliverance

Deliverance is a closely related topic to life, especially life after death. In the Book of Mormon, we learn that it is through Christ we are delivered from physical death; resurrection is a deliverance from the grave, and is offered as a free gift to all mankind because of the Atonement. The Book of Mormon says that the people looked “forward to that day, thus retaining a remission of their sins; being filled with great joy because of the resurrection of the dead, according to the will and power of deliverance of Jesus Christ from the bands of death” (Alma 4:14). We can be delivered from physical death, through resurrection, and from our sins, through repentance, because of the atonement of Christ.

Much of what is taught in the Book of Mormon about deliverance is through stories, rather than discourse. One example is the story of Alma and Amulek, two missionaries who left their homes to preach the gospel. They ventured into an unfriendly city, and were taken captive, not unlike missionaries in Biblical times. The leader of the city mocked them: “If ye have the power of God deliver yourselves from these bands, and then we will believe that the Lord will destroy this people.” Alma prayed, “O Lord, give us strength according to our faith which is in Christ, even unto deliverance.”  Then, the record states that “they broke the cords with which they were bound; . . . and Alma and Amulek came forth out of the prison, and they were not hurt; for the Lord  had granted unto them power, according to their faith which was in Christ” (Alma 14:24-28).

From this example, we can see that deliverance, whether it is from physical or spiritual bondage, comes through faith in Jesus Christ. There are countless other examples of deliverance from physical or spiritual bondage in the Book of Mormon, always through faith in Jesus Christ. However, when the people stopped having faith, they could not be delivered. Thus, through the example of others in the Book of Mormon, we can learn how and why we can be delivered from physical or spiritual bondage.

Jesus’ Words to the Book of Mormon Peoples

The crowning event in The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ takes place in the Book of 3 Nephi, when the resurrected Savior visited the Book of Mormon peoples, as was promised and prophesied. When Jesus was crucified, there were terrible storms and destruction in the Americas. Many people were killed and cities were destroyed. After the storms ceased, darkness covered the land for three days while the Savior was dead. In the darkness, the people who had lived through the destruction heard Jesus’ voice, reciting the fate of the cities that had been destroyed because of their wickedness. The next words that Jesus spoke summarize what the Book of Mormon says about life and deliverance:

“Yea, verily I say unto you, if ye will come unto me ye shall have eternal life. Behold, mine arm of mercy is extended towards you, and whosoever will come, him will I receive; and blessed are those who come unto me. . . . And as many as have received me, to them have I given to become the sons of God; and even so will I to as many as shall believe on my name, for behold, by me redemption cometh.”

(3 Nephi 9:14, 17).

From these verses, we learn that Jesus Christ is the way to eternal life. He will deliver us from sin and death, and is the only way to salvation. This is the message of the Book of Mormon: that Jesus Christ is the only way for us to be saved from sin, and return to live with Heavenly Father again.

Read the Book of Mormon Online.

Why the Book of Mormon Increases My Faith

One of the main reasons the Book of Mormon has such a powerful influence on me is that I believe it is inspired. The Book of Mormon is similar to the Bible: both books were written by inspired prophets of God, and then translated into many languages. This is not to say that other great works of literature are not inspiring, and do not influence me, because they do. However, the Book of Mormon is different. It testifies of Jesus Christ, and was written by His prophets. As I read this inspired book, the Holy Ghost, or Holy Spirit, brings peace to my heart and testifies to me that the doctrines are true and that the people are real.

Another reason the Book of Mormon increases my faith is its close connection to the Bible. The Book of Mormon explains many of the doctrines of the gospel in clearer terms than we see in the Bible. For example, the Book of Mormon clearly explains that little children are innocent, and do not need to be baptized. (See Moroni 8:11). The Book of Mormon does not contradict the Bible, but rather illuminates it, making doctrines and principles that are present but unclear in the Bible clear for me to easily understand. If the Book of Mormon were to contradict the Bible, my faith would be shaken. But because the two books support each other, my faith in God and His knowledge and omnipotence is strengthened.

How Daily Reading Increases My Faith

The Book of Mormon can only have such a powerful effect and increase my faith if and when I read it every day. I have noticed that when I make an effort to read the Book of Mormon every day, things in my life are smoother. The challenges I face seem less insurmountable, and I feel more at peace with the world and my life. At times, life has become hectic, and I have slowly stopped reading every day. The negative changes in how I felt and viewed the world were so small I didn’t notice them. However, when I went back to reading every day, I was amazed at the positive difference that it made in my day, especially in the small aspects of life. I wondered why I had ever stopped reading in the first place, because everything goes so much better when I do.

Daily reading reminds me of what I believe; of the true doctrines of the gospel. It reminds me of the covenants I made when I was baptized, and gives me strength and encouragement to continue working hard to keep them. It reminds me of the meaning and purpose of life, and helps me keep everything that happens on a daily basis in its proper perspective. Most importantly, it testifies of Jesus Christ, and His role in Heavenly Father’s plan for each of us.

However, it’s not enough for me to just read the Book of Mormon. I have to act on what it says. Joseph Smith, the translator of the Book of Mormon, stated: “I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth,  . . . and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts than by any other book” (Introduction to the Book of Mormon). So it’s great for me to read about faith in Alma chapter 32, but I gain nothing if I don’t do as Alma directed the people and work to increase my faith. (See Alma 32:28).

A Promise from a Prophet

President Gordon B. Hinckley, the 15^th president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, sometimes inadvertently referred to as the Mormon Church, made the following promise:

Those who have read [the Book of Mormon] prayerfully, be they rich or poor, learned or unlearned, have grown under its power. . . . Without reservation I promise you that if you will prayerfully read the Book of Mormon, regardless of how many times you have previously read it, there will come into your hearts . . . the Spirit of the Lord. There will come a strengthened resolution to walk in obedience to his commandments, and there will come a stronger testimony of the living reality of the Son of God. (“The Power of the Book of Mormon,” Ensign, June 1988, 6).

This promise has had a profound influence on me. President Hinckley is a man whom I respect very much, and believe he was a prophet of the Lord. When he speaks, and makes a promise like this, it will happen if I do what I am supposed do to, just like any other promise a person or group of people receive from the Lord.

I have many favorite books, and many works of great literature have had a profound effect on my opinions and worldview. Many books are inspirational, and motivate me to change and do better. But none is as powerful as the Book of Mormon, my all-time favorite. When I read the Book of Mormon, I have the Spirit in my heart more often and more strongly, I am more committed to following the commandments with exactness, and my testimony of Jesus Christ is strengthened.

Read the Book of Mormon online.

At one point in Nephite history, they had to leave the area they called “Nephi” and flee into the wilderness to escape the Lamanites.  Later, a man named Zeniff decided to take a party of men and try to find and reclaim the land of Nephi.  Once arriving, they were cajoled by the Lamanites only to be placed in bondage to them.  Eventually triumphing, Zeniff handed the kingdom over to one of his sons, Noah, who was a wicked king with false priests.  Abinadi was sent from God to preach repentance to them.

Abinadi prophesied that if the people of Noah did not repent, they would be taken into bondage.  He was arrested and brought before King Noah and his priests.  King Noah said, when he heard Abinadi’s accusations:

Who is Abinadi, that I and my people should be judged of him, or who is the Lord, that shall bring upon my people such great affliction (Mosiah 11:27)?

Abinadi began to preach to King Noah and the wicked priests, reciting biblical and Nephite history up to that time, reminding them of the Ten Commandments and Law of Moses, which they were supposed to keep, while looking forward to the coming of Christ, of whom the Nephite prophets testified by name.

I say unto you that it is expedient that ye should keep the Law of Moses as yet; but I say unto you, that the time shall come when it shall be no more expedient to keep the law of Moses.  And moreover, I say unto you, that salvation doth not come by the law alone; and were it not for the atonement, which God himself shall make for the sins and iniquities of his people, that they must unavoidably perish, notwithstanding the law of Moses….

For behold, did not Moses prophesy unto them concerning the coming of the Messiah, and that God should redeem his people? Yea, and even all the prophets who have prophesied ever since the world began–have they not spoken more or less concerning these things (Mosiah 13)?

Abinadi went on to prophesy more about the life and mission of the coming Savior, and about the atonement and resurrection and the nature of salvation.  Noah and his wicked priests had Abinadi burned at the stake, but they were unable to lay a hand on him until Abinadi had finished imparting his message, thereby fulfilling that which God had called him to do.

That might have been the end of the story had not Noah and his priests eventually met the same fate as Abinadi, which thing Abinadi prophesied, but also the story continues through Alma, one of the wicked priests who was deeply affected and converted through Abinadi’a teachings.  Alma sought the Lord, and the Lord called him to minister unto those who would hear the true gospel.  Alma received the priesthood power to baptize and to prophecy.  Even as he was hunted by King Noah, converts gathered to him, and they were eventually delivered out of the kingdom to safety among other Nephite groups.  Alma became the great high priest, so deep were his convictions.

Abinadi, then, was a martyr for the gospel’s sake and one of the great characters of the Book of Mormon.  You can read the Book of Mormon account here.

Additional Resources:

Basic Mormon Beliefs and Real Mormons

Book of Mormon Research

The Bible in Mormonism